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Quanterus Smith's yoga workouts occasionally made him the subject of mockery. No one makes fun of him now, especially opposing quarterbacks.

The Western Kentucky University defensive end has become a premier pass rusher. Smith leads the FBS in sacks per game (1.63, with 6½ this season) and is fifth in tackles for a loss per game (2.38). The senior is a linchpin in an improved WKU defense that is 14th in the country in sacks (3.00 per game) and 14th in yards allowed (290.80).

Smith isn't just eviscerating mid-major competition. Last month he collected three sacks at top-ranked Alabama. He has ...